Four former Quebec MPs are joining forces to fight a private member's motion calling for further study on when human life begins.

The ex-MPs are opposed to motion 312, proposed last month by Conservative MP Stephen Woodworth, who wants a parliamentary committee to study the fetus's legal status.

Former Bloc Québécois MPs Nicole Demers and Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral are working with Alexandra Mendes and Lisa Zarac – two ex-Liberal MPs – to denounce Woodworth's proposal.

"What right does Stephen Woodworth have to flout our parliamentary procedures to reopen debate on a woman's most fundamental right to choose what happens to her body?" asked Mendes, who represented Brossard-La Prairie.

Woodworth introduced his motion in late April on the grounds that current Canadian law on human life is based on a centuries-old definition imported from Britain.

When he announced the motion, Woodworth had argued he was simply interested in updating the law to agree with 21st-century medicine. He later conceded the motion could allow Canadians "to have an honest discussion about the abortion question."

But the four ex-MPs from Quebec say the motion is a major step backwards for Canada.

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Which Cabinet Ministers Oppose Abortion?

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The Campaign Life Coalition provides a listing of MPs who support and oppose abortion rights. The list is based on voting records, previous comments and questionnaire responses.
Here is a list of Conservative cabinet ministers who, according to the Coalition, oppose abortion. (CP)

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. (CP)

Minister of Public Safety. (CP)

Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. (CP)

Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. (CP)

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board. (Handout)

Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway. (CP)

Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. (Handout)

Minister of State for Science and Technology and for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. (Handout)